Safety & Accident

Mazda Recalls CX-7 for Steering

August 26, 2016
• by Staff

Screen shot of Mazda CX-7 courtesy of Mazda.

Mazda North American Operations is recalling 190,102 2007-2012 model-year Mazda CX-7 compact SUVs because of a potential loss of steering control, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported.

The vehicles at issue were manufactured from Feb. 14, 2006, to May 9, 2012. In these CX-7 crossovers, water may enter the front suspension ball joint fittings. If the water is contaminated with road salt that’s commonly used in snow removal efforts, the ball joint may corrode and separate from the lower control arm. The result might be a loss of steering control, NHTSA said on its website.

Mazda dealers will replace both front lower control arms, free of charge. Since parts aren’t yet available, Mazda will send interim notices to vehicle owners beginning around Oct. 10. Follow-up notices will be sent when remedy parts are available.

To prioritize, Mazda will first address all affected 2007-2008 vehicles as well as 2009-2011 vehicles currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia. West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

The remaining vehicles will be addressed when parts are available, NHTSA said. Owners can reach Mazda customer service at (800) 222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 9716H.

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